Chudo Kaiku Rengo leader Ogawa announces new party formation

Representative Ogawa of the Chudo Kaiku Rengo (Centrist Reform Union) announced that a new political party is expected to be established as early as next week. The move involves 28 members departing from the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan.

Ogawa addressed the failure to achieve a three-party merger between the Komeito and the Constitutional Democratic Party, stating that he recognizes the gravity of the responsibility regarding the outcome. To address criticisms regarding political subsidies, Ogawa explained that one member will remain with the current centrist group to fulfill economic responsibilities and manage existing funds, while the 20 departing members will form a new party without accepting government subsidies.

The split has caused confusion among local officials in Shiga Prefecture associated with the Constitutional Democratic and Komeito parties, with some expressing frustration over the political impact of the union's dissolution.